Hello,

A new version of FS-100 firmware is now available for download from http://www.focusinfo.com/support/downloads.asp (select Software Downloads, and it is currently the top item). This new version solves an issue for Avid users where under some circumstances, the P2 Global Clip ID was duplicated causing the Avid Media Tool to only see certain clips. This version also has the earlier FireWire bridge updater fix included (remember to do a System Reset on FS-100 once you have loaded this version!).

Thanks,

Matt McEwen

Hello,

A new version of FS-100 firmware is now available for download from http://www.focusinfo.com/support/downloads.asp (select Software Downloads, and it is currently the top item). This new version solves an issue for Avid users where under some circumstances, the P2 Global Clip ID was duplicated causing the Avid Media Tool to only see certain clips. This version also has the earlier FireWire bridge updater fix included (remember to do a System Reset on FS-100 once you have loaded this version!).

Thanks,

Matt McEwen

Hey Matt,

Do you know when the $39.00 update for the DR-HD100 will be available?

Thanks,

Carl

Early July. Sorry for the delay.
Matt

Early July. Sorry for the delay.
Matt

Thanks, Matt.

Thanks, Matt.

So much for the end of June...That's alright though, I don't really mind waiting since I just got it and Apple is making us wait FAR LONGER on their Pro HD support (Please don't take that long though).

I just tested the drive today, and it is incredible.

FS-100 Thumbnail and Auto-Stream Detect Version 2.0 Update Now Available

FS-100 firmware version 2.0 is now available as a free download from the Focus Enhancements website. The new version adds P2 thumbnail support and DV/DVCPRO, DVCPRO 50 and DVCPRO HD autostream detect.

P2 thumbnail support adds the ability to view a thumbnail of each clip in the import or viewer window on supported NLE systems and the P2 Viewer software. Unfortunately, thumbnails are not viewable on the Panasonic AG-HVX200 as thumbnails over FireWire is not a supported feature of the camera. However, if you would like to view clips back on the HVX200, simply switch the camera to VTR mode, press the thumbnail button on the top of the camcorder and then use FS-100's controls for playback.

Autostream Detect will automatically switch FS-100 between DV/DVCPRO, DVCPRO 50 and DVCPRO HD as these modes are switched on the AG-HVX200.

Earlier patches that fixed the drop-out issue and missing clips in Avid are included in this version. If you are updating your FS-100 to fix the drop-out issue, please remember to do a System Reset for the changes to take effect.

The new version as well as an updated User Guide can be downloaded from: http://www.focusinfo.com/solutions/catalog.asp?id=150

The latest version of FS-100 firmware is now available for download at the Focus support site ( http://www.focusinfo.com/support/downloads.asp ) under software downloads. This update (2.0.0.04080806) is a maintenance release that addresses the following:

* Solves an issue where under certain circumstances, the incorrect frames where flagged in a 720p/24 sequence resulting in these frames missing on import to an NLE system
* Solves an issue where audio could be missing at the end of recordings.
* Various disk performance improvements
* AV/C stream capture to Final Cut Pro is now possible in DVCPRO 50 and DVCPRO HD modes
* Minor changes to the behavior of the organize P2 progress bar

Focus Enhancements recommends that you install this latest version on your FS-100. If you have additional queries, please visit the Focus support site at: http://www.focusinfo.com/support/. We also encourage you to register your Focus product at http://www.focusinfo.com/rfi/warranty.asp .

Thanks,

Focus Enhancements

Focus Announces FS-100 v3.0 With HD Native Frame Rate and QuickTime Support

New Firmware Upgrade Adds Support for Native 720/24p, 25p and 30p as Well as Native QuickTime Support for DVCPRO HD Recordings

CAMPBELL, CA -- (MARKETWIRE) -- 09/09/2006 -- Focus Enhancements, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCSE), a worldwide leader in video production and conversion technology, today announced the version 3.0 firmware upgrade for its popular FS-100 Portable Direct To Edit® (DTE) recorder enabling users to record native 720/24p, 25p and 30p in the MXF P2 or QuickTime file formats commonly used in Apple's Final Cut Pro. Version 3.0 is expected to be available in the middle of the fourth quarter, 2006.

Native file format support only records the required frames in a DVCPRO HD stream, eliminating the need to remove advanced pulldown or duplicate frames during import to the edit system. The new 3.0 software version also adds QuickTime support for native frame rates as well as other 720p and 1080i DVCPRO HD record modes for DTE workflow within Apple Final Cut Pro, bypassing the normal P2 import process thereby decreasing workflow.
"Focus Enhancements' unique DTE technology is continually evolving to streamline and improve professional video production workflow," said Matt McEwen, senior product manager for Focus Enhancements. "The addition of native frame rate support as well as QuickTime support to FS-100 saves a tremendous amount of time in DVCPRO HD workflow as well as offering extended record time."

Using native frame rate recording, users can more than double the record time on the FS-100 from 100 minutes to over 200 minutes. By recording only the required frames, the bit rate for DVCPRO HD recordings drops to as low as 40Mb/s. While camcorders such as the Panasonic AG-HVX200 P2 camera/recorder do not output a stream via FireWire when set to native frame modes (pN), the FS-100 processor is capable of achieving the same native support by only recording the required frames when set to regular 720/24p, 25p and 30p modes. QuickTime support also includes up to four channels of digital audio.

The FS-100 3.0 upgrade is expected to be available directly from Focus Enhancements for $39 by the middle of the fourth quarter this year.
Focus Enhancements will demonstrate a beta version of the 3.0 software during IBC Expo at the Amsterdam RAI from September 8 - 12 in stand number 9.431. IBC is the leading event for professionals involved in the creation, management and delivery of entertainment content.
For more information on Focus Enhancements and its products, please visit www.focusinfo.com.

Focus Enhancements Announces Availability of 2.0 Firmware Upgrade Adding Native QuickTime HDV Support for FS-4Pro HD, FS-C, and DR-HD100 Portable HD DTE Recorders

New DTE Technology(R) File Format Allows HDV Camcorder Owners to Import Clips Directly Into Apple Final Cut Pro 5 Using Direct To Edit(R) Technology

CAMPBELL, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 4, 2006 -- Focus Enhancements, Inc. (NASDAQ:FCSE - News), a worldwide leader in video production and conversion technology, today announced the availability of version 2.0 software which adds native QuickTime HDV support to its industry leading Direct To Edit (DTE) FS-4Pro HD, FS-C and DR-HD100 recorders. The upgrade will be available for purchase in disc format on the Focus Enhancements website for $39.
1080i 50/60 and 720p/30 clips recorded in the QuickTime HDV format using FS-4Pro HD, FS-C and DR-HD100 can be used immediately in Apple Final Cut Pro 5 without having to first capture or convert footage.

"The FS DTE Technology is the only disk recording solution that allows Final Cut users to record natively in the QuickTime format during acquisition in standard or high definition," said Matt McEwen, senior product manager for Focus Enhancements. "With the addition of QuickTime HDV support, Focus Enhancements' exclusive DTE Technology continues its position as the industry's leading direct-to-disk acquisition solution."

Sony, Canon and JVC camcorder owners can now record 1080i 50/60 or 720p/30 video directly to their FS-4Pro HD, FS-C and DR-HD100 in native QuickTime. The file can be imported directly into Apple Final Cut Pro and used immediately in the timeline -- eliminating the time-consuming steps of capturing and converting footage. The FS extracts and decodes the audio from the incoming HDV stream, combines it with the video stream, and wraps audio and video as a QuickTime file. Previously, clips had to be either captured or converted prior to use in Final Cut Pro 5.

The FS-4Pro HD and DR-HD100 offer a 40GB (3 hour) or 80GB (6 hour) internal disk drive, while the FS-C offers a 60GB (4 hour) or 100GB (7 hour) disk drive option. These versions feature separate 6-pin FireWire connectors for interfacing with camcorders and computers for editing or file transfer, a backlit status LCD display, and a comprehensive set of control buttons including a navigation pad. The FS-C was designed specifically for Canon HDV camcorders users. The DR-HD100 was designed for JVC GY-HD100 camcorder owners.

The FS-4Pro HD 40GB model has a US MSRP of $1,395 while the 80GB model is $1,795. The FS-C is available through Canon in both 60GB and 100GB versions for a US MSRP of $1,395 and $1,995, respectively. The 40GB and 80GB DR-HD100 models are available exclusively through JVC Professional for a US MSRP of $1,495 and $1,895, respectively. The version 2.0 update can be ordered directly from the Focus Enhancements website in disc format for an MSRP of $39.

For more information on Focus Enhancements and its products, please visit www.focusinfo.com.

Rock on Matt.

Not to be "that guy," but are there plans for 24F Quicktime support in the FS4ProHD firmware down the line, now that FCP supports it?

Matt has said that Focus is working on it since FCP 5.1.2 was released.

Just to followup - I got my upgrade CD yesterday and all went well. I shot 1080i60 to a Quicktime file and it worked great!

FS-4/HD/Pro/Pro HD Version 1.1 Software Now Available

I am pleased to announce that version 1.1 software for FS-4, FS-4 HD, FS-4 Pro and FS-4Pro HD is now available for download from the Focus support site. This maintenance release features UI and performance improvements, improved DV24p operation and fixes connectivity and playback issues with some JVC, Canon and Sony camcorders.

If a you have already purchased the FS-4Pro HD version 2.0 software, there is no need to load this new software as the improvements were included in the 2.0 release. These improvements are also already included on FS-C and DR-HD100.

Matt,

Can you comment at all about the interaction with Edius? You had mentioned that there was work being performed to accommodate/optimize files with Edius (timecode issues?).

I have now updated the firmware on my FS4 HD with your version, and I've tried the unit with the Canon H1 (also with updated firmware) and the Sony Z1. The interaction between the camera and firestore is now the best I've seen since having the HD upgrade. However, I'm still running into files that are problematic in Edius (I also have the most current Edius SP update - 4.03).

I think the files while in syncro slave mode work fairly well - also if it's in local mode if you're not recording to tape. But if you are in local mode and hit record on the camera in the middle (ad-hoc start/stop), the files get messed up.

Additionally, I'm still running into anomalies when importing, having some files be 2 1/2 hours long, etc, when they're only minutes long. I call it file corruption - most likely from recording in local mode and punching the record button on the camera (this isn't a problem in DV mode, or with the FS100). I figure it's an MPEG/GOP issue or something... I don't run into this with the FS4's running/recording a DV stream, or even the FS100 using DV or DVCPRO50. It seems to be an HDV issue.

After being one of the first to get the HD upgrade when it was available, I'm almost to the point of trusting it as an absolute backup, if using it in synchro slave mode only. Past that - I think there still needs to be some tweaks, or advice given to settings, Edius advice, etc. I currently have my other FS4 HD into Focus to repair the DV I/O port for $249. Needless to say and still in frustration, I'd love to get the HD section up to 100% operation, after more than a year of testing, waiting, etc.

Any advice or info/status on this upgrade is appreciated, as well as speculation/timeframes on Edius, etc.

Thanks.

FS-100 version 2.0.1 is now available for download from the Focus Enhancements support website at: http://www.focusinfo.com/support/downloads.asp . This maintenance release improves the performance of FS-100 and it is recommended that all users update to this new version. Specifically, version 2.0.1 addresses the following issues:

Version 2.0.1.05102406:
- Improved disk performance
- Changed fan control algorithm
- Corrected shut-down sequence when over temperature
- XML now supports 16:9 in DVCPRO50

FS-100 version 2.0.3 firmware is now available for download from the Focus support site http://www.focusinfo.com/support/downloads.asp . This version features the following enhancements:

* Improved disk performance
* Improved SDRAM interface

It is recommended that all FS-100 owners download and update their unit with this new version.

Matt

Focus is pleased to announce that a maintenance firmware release for DR-HD100 is now available. Version 2.1 will be installed on all new DR-HD100 units shipped from the factory and is also available to existing customers via download from our Support site. Please note that this release is for those customers who already have version 2.0 (QT HDV update) loaded on their DR-HD100. This version will NOT update a DR-HD100 with version 1.0 or 1.1 version firmware.

If you have version 1.0 or 1.1 and wish to add QuickTime HDV functionality to your DR-HD100, version 2.1 can be ordered from the Focus webstore which includes all the features of version 2.0 and 2.1.

Version 2.1 addresses the following issue:

- Now supports QuickTime HDV 720 24p and 25p recordings (in addition to 720p30)

NOTE: The version is for use with the JVC GY-HD100/110 series cameras only

Thanks Matt, I will be using it tomorrow!

There is some confusion though from HD200/250 users. Can the DR-HD100 2.1 capture the 24/25/30P streams as .MOV from the HD200/250? If not, why is there a problem?

There is an issue with QuickTime recordings on the DR-HD100 when used with the GY-HD200/250 in 720p24/25/30 mode. We are looking into it now. I'll post more info when I know more.

Matt

Thanks, just checking.

hello, after it has left version 2,1 for Dr 100, it is possible knowledge when it will leave the update for the FS4 PRO HD? some users we have version 2,0 but we needed to record in 24 and 25p.
greetings.

HDV 720p24 support is for the DR-HD100 (JVC version of the FS-4Pro HD) only.

Matt

There is an issue with QuickTime recordings on the DR-HD100 when used with the GY-HD200/250 in 720p24/25/30 mode. We are looking into it now. I'll post more info when I know more.

Matt

Still no solution for the 200/250?

I'm a GY-HD200 owner very keen on getting a firestore. 60p quicktime support is essential for my workflow. I was told by JVC about 6 weeks asgo that this was imminent, and when apples had 720/60p support releases (which they predicted correctly as just weeks away), that the DR-HD100 would support 60p with a firmware update "within 2 weeks".

That's been and gone. I'm also concerned about the reported issues with the 200 series.

Matt - if you are reading this, can you give us a status update?
..... it could be a direct boost in sales!

edit: I see this is an old thread, and Matt hasn't posted on the last few firmware updates. I have a direct enquiry in to Focus now. I'll post if I get direct news.

Can you still capture DV Quicktime (or Avid OMF) when shooting with the JVC 251? I've read that there will be an update soon for the HDV, I'm just abt to buy the Firestore, I don't mind captureing @ DV for the time being, would love HDV as Avid is blind to this format from the JVC's

Thanks

Can you still capture DV Quicktime (or Avid OMF) when shooting with the JVC 251? I've read that there will be an update soon for the HDV, I'm just abt to buy the Firestore, I don't mind captureing @ DV for the time being, would love HDV as Avid is blind to this format from the JVC's

Thanks

Hi Steven. The current version, as of earlier this year, allows you to capture directly to quicktime 24, 25, 30p. I use one with a clients JVC HD110 this way on a regular basis. The update which is expected very soon (according to JVC) is the ability to do 60p QT capture. This was reliant on Apples release of FCP 60p support, which came out several weeks ago (after being demo'd months before at NAB) Currently frame rates all are supported in native m2f files, but the QT workflow is much faster for FCP and some other editing systems. Avid OMF is not part of the plan. Avid has poor support of HDV in any case. Transcoding or card based capture might have to be part of your workflow with Avid currently.

Hi Brett,

As was answered by Don Berube elsewhere, the FS-4 only records 25Mb/s DV currently.

The drive used in the FS-4 will be a 5400RPM Hitachi TravelStar. We do not recommend changing the drive on FS-4 and it will void the warranty. The main reason is that we cannot guarantee the performance of drives other than the Hitachi TravelStar. We have seen some drives that were less than optimal based on their thermal and shock performance. I expect as capacities increase on the TravelStar line, we will probably add them to the line-up.

Hope that helps,

Matt McEwen
Matt, do you have a product that will work with the Sony EX1?
Thanks, Craig

You should be able to use a normal FS4Pro with the EX1, provided the EX1 is in "Standard Quality" mode, as in that mode it just outputs normal HDV (m2t) data.

In HQ, the EX1 doesn't feed anything out the Firewire port, so you need to use SxS cards.